March 4, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Rector's Ramblings

 


 

There is a lot of talk these days about the structure of our beloved church.  One of the chief topics for this summer's General Convention will be the report of the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church and the suggested actions that come from their work.  You can read about what they've been discussing and learning right now at http://www.reimaginetec.org.  Their main goal is to help the Episcopal Church look at its systems and structures to determine the ways in which they help or hinder us in our mission.  The mission of the Episcopal Church is taken from the Anglican Communion's Five Marks of Mission: 1) Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, 2) Teach, baptize and nurture new believers, 3) Respond to human need by loving service, 4) Seek to transform unjust structures of society, 5) Strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.


 

The obvious reason for this Task Force's existence is that a lot of people have started to wonder out loud if we are our own worst enemy.  The Church structure tends to be bulky, slow, and very expensive to maintain.  That's not to say structure is all bad.  The Church's structure is what allows it to preserve the traditions of the church and pass on the faith to the next generation.  Without structure and organization we'd be a random and chaotic group of folks unsure of which way to go.


 


Worship


March Music Madness

The Christ Church Handbell Choir is ringing at both the 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday morning March 22.  We will welcome cellist Betsy Federman (Coastal Symphony of Georgia and the Jacksonville Symphony) for what will be our first Cello and Handbell Choir venture.  The pieces we will offer are based on familiar tunes (As the Deer, You Raise me Up, Shepherd of Souls Refesh and Bless, and Blest Be the Tie that Binds).  Our Handbell Choir is a dedicated group, so please let them know they are appreciated!

 

Our Christ Church Choristers are rocking!  We have an average of fifteen Choristers a week, full of energy and joyful voices.  While our Senior Choristers vest and participate in the 9:15 a.m. Liturgy on a weekly basis, we are seeing some Junior Choristers wanting to do the same!  Our next time to sing as a full group will be Palm Sunday, March 29 at the 9:15 a.m. Service.

   

The Christ Church Choir is gearing up for the line-up of Holy Week and Easter Liturgies.  In addition to singing both the 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Palm Sunday and Easter, there will be whole and partial Choir representation at our 6pm Maundy Thursday Liturgy, our 6 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy, and the Easter Vigil Service at St. Ignatius on Saturday April 4.  Festive Brass, Choir, and Organ along with the magnificent Flowering of the Cross with Mr. McGregor (thanks David Lowe!) will welcome you on Easter Sunday morning.

 

XChurch Choir is offering contemplative music with a Lenten theme throughout this season.  XChurch on April 1 during Holy Week will be especially poignant. 

I want to thank all the Choirs for all their time and dedication as well as welcome the participation of guest musicians this month as well. 

 

A Music for Mission Concert is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. lead by our own Youth Missioner Brad Hamil.  This event serves as a fundraiser for our Youth Mission Trip later this year.  A few pieces will be offered during Coffee Hour the next day (Sunday, March 15).  Please be generous and support our youth!

 

The Honor Choir of Ogelthorpe Elementary School under the direction of Ms. Beth Jennings will perform in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. The returning Noon-3:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy will welcome musicians from our parish and our community to offer their gifts throughout this service of scripture, hymnody, preaching, and musical offerings.
Lenten Series and Holy Week Services
Our Lenten Series begins Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Click here to learn more.

Come to our Parish Quiet Day on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Please join us for our Holy Week Services:

Monday, March 30, 2015
12 p.m. - Holy Eucharist Service

Tuesday, March 31, 2015
12 p.m. - Holy Eucharist Service

Wednesday, April 1, 2015
12 p.m. - Holy Eucharist Service

Thursday, April 2, 2015
12 p.m. - Holy Eucharist Service
7 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Service

Friday, April 3, 2015
12 p.m. - 3 Hours Devotion (Meditations on the 7 last words of Christ)
3 p.m. - Stations of the Cross at St. Ignatius
7 p.m. - Good Friday Service

Saturday, April 4, 2015
6 p.m. - Easter Vigil at St. Ignatius

Sunday, April 5, 2015
8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. - Easter Sunday Service 
Quiet_DayParish Quiet Day
Join us on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.!

Our Quiet Day leader will be The Rev. John Porter.  Fr. Porter's theme for the Quiet Day is, "What happy people know!"

 

What Happy People Know!  There is a science to Happiness. Happiness is a conviction, a belief, and a confidence. Happiness is not based on anything that happens to us. Happiness can accommodate pain, sorrow, suffering and misfortune. What happiness cannot accommodate is Fear. Fear and Love can not dwell together in a human soul. We must choose one. Choosing Happiness is what happy people know.

There are five happiness tools: Appreciation, Choice, Personal Power, Personal Strength, and Language.

After all, we do not describe the world we see. We see the world we describe. Jesus promised us joy that would abound to a hundred fold and would fill us to the full. Jesus also urged us to "fear not" in times too numerous to count.

John Porter has worked as a priest at the Virginia Seminary, as well as parishes in Connecticut, and Atlanta - for the better part of 41 years.
He retired from Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in 2009, having served there for 14 years. He likes to say that "all my hits have come in the late innings ". He began to teach High School Ethics in 2009, courses for Juniors and Seniors that continued until 2013. Those few years proved to be the happiest years of his entire life.   Fr. Porter has worked in Haiti for 15 years and with the help of many generous people have raised one million dollars for 7 churches and schools near Leogane, all of which were totally or partially destroyed in the earthquake. 

Fr. Porter is a native New Yorker, having been raised in Jackson Heights, Queens; and a graduate of Brooklyn Prep,  Georgetown University, graduating in 1962.  He attended The Catholic University of America as well as The Virginia Theological Seminary, both in the environs of Washington, DC.  He and his wife, Mary Leicester Kirchhoffer (daughter of an Episcopal priest and granddaughter of an Episcopal Bishop), have two children and three grandchildren.  Fr. Porter's retired life revolves around his grandchildren and the Republic of Haiti.  As he describes it, "It is a happy time!"

 

Formation

 
Lenten_SeriesWednesday Night Classes

The Lenten series will be a study of the Old Testament prophets entitled "Embracing the Prophets in Contemporary Culture." The six week course will examine the sociological, economic and spiritual status of ancient Israel and draw connections to America today. What is the prophet's message for us today and who are today's prophets?  Join Fr. Tom and Dcn. Becky beginning Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m.  Books are available in the church office. Contributions to offset the $13 cost are appreciated. 

 

For more information please email [email protected]
EYC 

 

 


 

Music for Mission!

On Saturday, March 14th at 7 p.m. the EYC will be hosting an evening of music in the parish house with a concert performed by Brad Hamil and friends. Please join us for an evening of entertainment and another opportunity to support youth mission and outreach!!  


Outreach


Easter Lily Memorial 

If you wish to remember a loved one at Easter with a Easter Lily Memorial, please send the name, along with a check for $20, to Ethel Horton, 402 Palm Court, S.S.I. Checks should be made payable to "Christ Church Altar Guild" and received no later than Sunday, March 29th (Palm Sunday). If you have any questions, please call Ethel Horton at 634-8327.

Undie Sunday
Please join us as we collect underwear and pants for the school children of Burroughs-Molette Elementary School, where our own Brooke Bartlett is a first grade teacher. Brooke tells us that the school is need of NEW underwear for boys and girls in CHILDREN'S sizes 5/6 & 7/8. New or gently used pants for boys and girls in CHILDREN'S sizes 5/6 & 7/8 children's pants and underwear for boys and girls in sizes 5-6 and 7-8. You can bring new or gently used pants and new underwear any time to St. Ignatius or Christ Church for collection through Undie Sunday, March 15, when we will have our large collection. For more information on this, email Rev. Leigh or Deacon Becky
Fellowship

 
Mary & Joseph Guild

THE MARY & JOSEPH GUILD - unites families with children by providing opportunities for fellowship and service.  Events are planned weekly, monthly and annually - please contact Natasha Sampson - Williams if you would like to be included on any email invitations and / or the Facebook Group Page.  [email protected] or (912)222-8921.
Bakers Needed
Calling all bakers!! Our beautiful Parish Hall is a favorite stop for our tour guests. Baked goods are always needed and it is very special to serve sweets from our cookbook or your other favorite treats. 

Please contact Catherine Holt 230-7845 or [email protected] if you are able to bake something for tour day. Baked items may be dropped off in the kitchen on Friday. March 20.
 
It's Tour of Homes' Season Again

Tickets are scheduled to be in the stores this Saturday!  $40 now $45 March 21st  Please get your tickets and tell your friends!
 

THE TICKETS WILL BE IN THESE STORES NO LATER THAN MARCH 1ST!

Antiques Etc.

Christ Church

Cloister Collection

Frederica Academy

Glynn Art Association

H and H

Jekyll Realty

Maggie's

Mimi's

Ned Cash

Viola's

Roberta's

St. Simon's Drug

Tabby House
It's All About You


Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!


Check out the great articles published this weekend in both Elegant Island Living and Golden Isles magazine.
Celebrate the Tour of Homes
Celebration Invitations have been mailed.The party is the night after the Tour, March 22nd, at the Home of Bruce and Anna Tripp:
2 Orange Grove Landing
St. Simons Island, GA 31522

If you haven't received your invite by Friday, email Beth or Lynn! You may mail your check to ($40 each)
P. O. Box 20292 St. Simons Island, GA 31522
or drop by church: Please mark as "Celebration"!
Newcomers' Brunch
Our next Newcomers' Brunch will be on Sunday, April 19, at 12:30 p.m. in the Parish House. Anyone who considers him/herself a newcomer is cordially invited to attend this event. At it, one can expect to learn a bit more about life here at Christ Church, in addition to meeting other new folks and interacting with CCF staff and existing parishioners. To attend, please RSVP to Rev. Leigh at [email protected]Please be sure to let us know if you are coming, so that we may adequately prepare for the meal. We look forward to meeting you!

Senior Adult Ministries


Spring Book Study: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
On Wednesdays at 1 p.m., following the noon Healing Service and beginning on February 4, we will begin a study of best selling author Richard Rohr's Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. The group will meet for six weeks: 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 & 3/11. To register, please call the church office at 638.8683 or come by to sign up on the sign up sheet located at the front desk. A limited supply of books will be available for purchase in the office on Tuesday, January 6 for $12 each. For more information, email Rev. Leigh at [email protected].

From Amazon.com:
"In Falling Upward, Fr. Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up." Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward." In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness.
  • Explains why the second half of life can and should be full of spiritual richness
  • Offers a new view of how spiritual growth happens? loss is gain
  • Richard. Rohr is a regular contributing writer for Sojourners and Tikkun magazines

This important book explores the counter intuitive message that we grow spiritually much more by doing wrong than by doing right--a fresh way of thinking about spirituality that grows throughout life."  

Fr. Richard Rohr is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico province. He founded the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM, in 1986, where he presently serves as Founding Director. Fr. Rohr is the author of more than twenty books, an internationally known speaker, a regular contributing writer for Sojourners and Tikkun magazines, and the CAC's quarterly journal, Radical Grace. 

Transportation

The church maintains a list of drivers who are willing to transport folks who do not drive after dark to church events that occur at that time. If you are in need of transportation to these nighttime events, please contact Rev. Leigh at the church office ([email protected] or 912-638-8683).

Senior Ministry Outing April 18 - Deadline to Sign Up: March 2
A group is forming to go see On Golden Pond on April 18th at the Alhambra Theatre in Jacksonville. The estimated cost of the trip is $60 and includes your ticket, a meal, and transportation to the event. To sign up, email Rev. Leigh or sign up in the church office by March 2.
Pastoral Care

 
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The next meeting of the Prayer Shawl Ministry will be on Monday, March 9th at 12 p.m. in the Parish House. Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome. Please bring your own lunch for this time of fellowship and fiber arts!
Pastoral Care Committee
Meets Monday, March 9, at 12 p.m. in the Parish House. Please bring your own lunch. Knitters or crocheters of all skill levels are invited to attend. 
Bereavement Group
This month, bereavement group will take the form of a lunch for widows and widowers at Coastal Kitchen on Monday, March 23, at 11:30a. Please sign up for this in the church office or by emailing Rev. Leigh. There is no formal agenda for this meeting; the goal is fellowship, fun, and support.
Prayer List

Please help us keep the prayer list current by notifying Rev. Leigh of any changes in the status or condition of your loved one.

Jim Alexander

Fred Bagwell

Mary Frances Benning

Mary Bliven

Tory Braden

Alice Bradford

Chris Bradley

Dylan Brown

Jeff Cammon

Carroll

Anne Chubb

Kay Clarke

Pat Clay

Jack Davis

Mary Lou DeBisschop

Hugh Dickinson

Charlene Dickson

Charlotte Doster

Terry Doster

Bob Evans

Carolyn Ewing

Betsy Fitzgerald

Lynn Fox

Al Garrett

Susan Garrett

C.J. Griffin

Aimee Groll

Burgess Hartsell

Kay Harvey

Jane Heeney

Mike Herrin

Christopher Hewetson

Bill Higginbotham

Bill Hitt

Greg Hollis

Alexander Hutcheson

Jeff

Edris Kalin

Joan Kellam

Carlin Kenny

Mary Ann King

 

 

 


 

 

Linda Krider

Christi Lambert

Charles Lamkin

Betty Leonard

Betsy Lewis

Bill Littleton

Eileen LoForte

Martha Lovett

Mary Ann

Maryalice MacDonald

Cathy McCarthy

Betty McCartney

Abigail McCready

Ethan McCready

Michelle McCready

Stephen McCready

Douglas McDonald

Nicole

Mary Elizabeth Paris

Dick Pipe

Jean-Claude Porson

Hope Queener

Rajika Reed

Linda Rivera

Sandy

Mike Schaufele

Jamie Skinner

Dorothy Faye Smith

Joyce Lowe Snell

Richard Stamper

Bill Torrey

Carah Wheeler

Summer Wheeler

Carole Whitnel

Mary Williams

Ruth Wright

Hollis Youngner

Charles Zimmerman

 

 

 

The Departed

Alexa Hartenstein 

 

 

 

 

 





















































To amend our prayer list, or to update the church on the condition of your loved one, please email Rev. Leigh Hall ([email protected]) or call the church office at 912.638.8683. 

Save the Date


Dates to Remember

 

  • Friday, March 6 - Sunday, March 8, 2015 - Youth Event - New Beginnings
  • Sunday, March 15, 2015 - Pastoral Care Committee 
  • Saturday, March 21, 2015 - ECW Tour of Homes
  • Sunday, March 22, 2015 - Tour of Homes Celebration
  • Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2, 2015 - Holy Eucharist Services at 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - OPES Honor Choir Spring Service
  • Thursday, April 2, 2015 - Maundy Thursday Service
  • Friday, April 3, 2015 - 3 Hours Devotion (Meditations on the 7 last words of Christ)
  • Friday, April 3, 2015 - Stations of the Cross at St. Ignatius
  • Friday, April 3, 2015 - Good Friday Service
  • Sunday, April 5, 2015 - St. Athanasius Food Bank Donations
  • Tuesday, April 7, 2015 - Live Poet's Society 
  • Sunday, April 12, 2015 - Potluck
  • Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - VFCC Musical Bedtime Stories
  • Sunday, April 19, 2015 - Newcomers' Brunch
  • Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - Manna House
  • Sunday, April 26, 2015 - Mozart Winners Concert
  • Monday, April 27, 2015 - Manna House
  • Friday, May  1 - Sunday May 3, 2015 - Youth Event - Spring Rally
     
This Week at CCF

 
Serving at Christ Church
Saturday, March 7, 2015, 5:30 PM (St. Ignatius Chapel)
Pokey Sheffield - Altar Guild

Sunday, March 8, 2015, 8:00 AM (CCF)

Anna Belle Friedman - Altar Guild

Robert Brown - Chalice Bearer

Robert Brown - Lector - First Lesson

H. Clay Stallworth - Usher

 

9:15 AM (CCF)

Jackson Hamil - Acolyte - C

Maidee Brown - Acolyte - TB

McKenzie Brown - Acolyte - TB

Sandy Storino - Altar Guild

Catherine Holt - Chalice Bearer

Robert Brown - Chancel Master

Barbara Abbate - Lector - First Lesson

Barbara Abbate - Lector - Second Lesson

Greer Brown - Greeter

Laura Brown - Greeter

Zaida Clay Harris - Usher

Susan Imhoff- Usher
Ania McQuade - Coffee Hour
Scott McQuade - Coffee Hour 

Maggie Holt - Kidurgy Shepherd

 

11:15 AM (CCF)

Ava Parker - Acolyte - C

Jean Webley - Altar Guild

Nancy Zell - Altar Guild

Susan Shipman- Chalice Bearer 

Te Turner - Lector - First Lesson

Te Turner - Lector - Second Lesson

Claire Winne- Greeter

Clinton Winne - Greeter

Gene Rackley - Usher
 

This Week at Christ Church

Morning Prayer is held at St. Ignatius' Chapel at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday - Friday.  

 

Evening Prayer is held daily at Christ Church, Frederica at 5:00 p.m.

 

*Unless noted otherwise, all events take place at Christ Church
 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

10:45 a.m. - NO Gentle Yoga for Seniors
12 p.m. - Healing Service
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Choristers
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Adult Choir
5:30 p.m. - Wednesday night Lent Series
7 p.m. - X Church


 

Friday, March 6, 2015
Youth Event - New Beginnings

 

Saturday, February 7, 2015
 
Youth Event - New Beginnings
5: 30 p.m. - Worship at St. Ignatius
 

Sunday,March 8, 2015
 
Youth Event - New Beginnings 

8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. - Worship at Christ Church, Frederica
10:15 a.m. - Coffee Hour
10:20 a.m. - Sunday School for All Ages
12:30 p.m. - EYC Lunch with the Rector
5:30 p.m. - EYC

 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015
7:30 a.m. - Men's Bible Study
2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Handbell Choir
 

Wednesday, March 11, 2015
10:45 a.m. - Gentle Yoga for Seniors
12 p.m. - Healing Service
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Choristers
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Adult Choir
5:30 p.m. - Wednesday night Lent Series
7 p.m. - X Church